Three Cranford Students Participate in American Legion Jersey Boys State

By TAPINTO CRANFORD STAFF

June 19, 2017 at 1:11 PM

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno is among the speakers at American Legion Jersey Boys State held at Rider University.

Director David S. Bagatelle, Director of American Legion Jersey Boys State, with Senator Cory Booker, who is an alumnus of the program.Credits: American Legion Jersey Boys State

U.S. Rep Leonard Lance was a delegate at Boys State in 1969.Credits: American Legion Jersey Boys State Facebook Page

American Legion Jersey Boys State is held annually at Rider University.
Credits: American Legion Jersey Boys State Facebook Page

American Legion Jersey Boys State’s (ALJBS) 2016.

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Three young men from Cranford are participants (listed with sponsoring Legion Posts) this week at the 72nd session of American Legion Jersey Boys State (ALJBS) at Rider University.

Gabriel Beckford, Cranford, Legion Post #328

Colin Budries, Cranford, Legion Post #328

Marek Wlodarski, Cranford, Legion Post #107

A “who’s who” slate of current and former New Jersey leaders is set to speak, including U.S. Senators Cory Booker (ALJBS ’86) and Bob Menendez (ALJBS ’71), Lt. Governor and current Republican gubernatorial candidate Kim Guadagno, U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (ALJBS ‘69), and former Governor Christie Todd Whitman. ESPN’s Jay Williams, former NBA and collegiate star, will deliver a speech on Friday.

"I am impressed every year by the young men who participate and hope to serve their country, churches and communities,” said Rep. Leonard Lance. “I look forward to their questions on current events and issues before Congress and the nation.”

Held at Rider University every year beginning on Father's Day, American Legion Jersey Boys State (ALJBS) has a strong tradition of education, patriotism and excellence in the development of tomorrow's leaders at our week-long hands-on program.

The goal of ALJBS is to develop good citizens by inspiring the youth of New Jersey to take a more active and intelligent interest in the operation of our state and nation and in the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. The program also helps young people understand the sacrifices made by our veterans to preserve our nation and way of life.

“Boys State played an integral role in inspiring me to commit my life to public service, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to share that experience with New Jersey’s future leaders," Sen. Cory Booker said. "The valuable lessons of democracy and community engagement that are instilled through Boys State and Girls State have encouraged young men and women from across New Jersey to become civic-minded leaders committed to responsible citizenship.”

"It is always reassuring to spend time with these young people and be reminded that the future will be in good hands,” said former New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman. “Congratulations to all who work so hard to make this program a success.”

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